Population by Age Group

In the face of broad trends toward urbanization, the region is maintaining its population, including a healthy foundation of local youth. This is, in part, due to the efforts of the municipalities and school boards that comprise GROWTH Alberta. The region has an active youth retention strategy, and is committed to ongoing efforts designed to maintain our population

Labour Force Participation (aged 15 and over)

The region enjoys a healthy level of labour force participation for people aged 15 and over (69.2%) with significant work force activity in industry centres such as Woodlands County (77.2%) and Swan Hills (80.7%).

At the same time, unemployment rates in the region are extremely low, with a regional average of 3.5% and a low of 2.5% in the Town of Swan Hills (Statistics Canada 2006 Census).

Although the unemployment rate in the province of Alberta rose to 4.4% in January of 2009, the province still enjoys one of the highest unemployment rates in all of Canada (compared to the national unemployment rate of 7.2%).

The GROWTH Alberta region also has a significant proportion of skilled trades, transport and equipment operators; primary industry occupations; and occupations unique to processing, manufacturing and utilities.

Educational Attainment (aged 15 years and over)

Highest Level of Education

GROWTH Alberta Region

Alberta

Total

Male

Female

Total

No certificate, diploma or degree

8,795

35.9%

4,620

37.2%

4,175

34.6%

614,865

23.4%

High school certificate or equivalent

6,565

26.8%

2,865

23.0%

3,710

30.7%

688,140

26.2%

Apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma

3,505

14.3%

2,510

20.2%

995

8.2%

285,815

10.9%

College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma

3,620

14.8%

1,615

13.0%

2,020

16.7%

472,210

18.0%

University certificate or diploma below the bachelor level

540

2.2%

150

1.2%

375

3.1%

105,680

4.0%

University certificate, diploma or degree

1,485

6.1%

665

5.3%

825

6.8%

458,425

17.5%

Source: Statistics Canada 2006 Census

Although the proportion of GROWTH Alberta residents with no certificate of education is slightly higher than the provincial average, the region’s strength in registered trades education is again demonstrated by the significantly higher number of trade graduates relative to the provincial average.

Digital Connectivity
See the results of the Northern Alberta Broadband Preparedness Project.